Jeweler’s Touch Ankle Bracelet Style Guide

An ankle bracelet, or anklet, can be worn with a casual, formal, or any other kind of outfit. Slip an ankle bracelet on whenever you want to elevate your look, convey a special meaning, or simply express your personal style.

Whatever your personal style, your clothing or footwear choices, or other details, use our ankle bracelet style guide to find the right piece for you.

Ankle Bracelet Trends: What’s Hot This Season?

The resurgence of ankle bracelets comes with trends featuring throwback styles, traditional elements, modern twists, and occasionally a blend of all these details. Here’s a look at some of the popular anklet trends for this season.

Letter anklets

Individual style and expression is a major current trend. Letter ankle bracelets allow the wearer to customize their jewelry with letters, numbers, or words symbolizing names or important meanings.

Chain link anklets

Chain link ankle bracelets are the perfect way to enhance both casual and formal looks. They offer plenty of options too — pick from curb chains, cuban links, rope chains, snake chains, and many other bold or dainty styles.

Natural anklets

Embrace the resurgence of bohemian style with natural anklets, which incorporate elements such as shells, leather, rope, and other materials. These details are common in summer ankle bracelet styles and beachy ankle bracelets worn on sunny California beaches.

Layered ankle bracelets

Layered anklets are a bold way to level up your style. Layer sleek metals and chains, or mix different materials, textures, and colors to curate a personalized effect.

Minimalist beaded anklets

On the subtler side, minimalist beaded anklets offer delicate and refined sophistication. Choose from different bead sizes, styles, and colors, layer multiple strands, or stick to a classically simple strand of lustrous pearls.

Statement anklet

Capture attention with statement ankle bracelets featuring stunning stones and jewels that act as an elegant focal point.

How to Choose the Right Ankle Bracelet for Your Style

Regardless of trends, the right ankle bracelet for you depends on your unique style. Let your ankle bracelet reflect and enhance your personal style, whether minimalist or bold, but don’t be afraid to try something new that’s out of your usual comfort zone

Consider factors or details that resonate with your style, such as:

• Type of metal
• Featured stones or jewels
• Cuts and settings
• Beads, pendants, and charms

Ankle Bracelet Outfit Pairings: Styling Tips for Every Occasion

You can pair ankle bracelets with almost any outfit. Try these styling tips to create a flawless look featuring your ankle bracelet:

Consider the occasion: Many ankle bracelets are versatile and can suit a variety of occasions. Sleek gold and silver-based items often suit formal or elevated looks, while natural or playful statement looks can complement casual outings.

Match with footwear: Footwear affects the visibility of your jewelry — the less attention on your footwear, the more your ankle bracelet receives. Sandals or shoes with low ankles let your ankle bracelets shine.

Seasonal styling: Consider your season and climate. For instance, beachy and colorful jewelry can be a fun complement for bright sundresses in the summer.

Consider other jewelry: Keep your necklaces, rings, earrings, and other jewelry in mind as you style your ankle bracelet. Consider how different materials may match or complement each other and the overall balance of jewelry in your look — if you’re wearing wrist bracelets on your right, for instance, wearing ankle bracelets on the left can create visual balance.

Ankle Bracelet Etiquette: Do’s and Don’t

Fashion and style seems to have fewer and fewer rules, and whether for ankle bracelets or other elements, there’s no wrong way to wear something.

If you want to get the most from your ankle bracelet and allow it to shine, however, here are a few do’s and don'ts to consider:

Do: Size your anklet correctly, making sure it won’t pinch your skin, restrict your movement, or fall out of place.

Do: Style your ankle bracelet with your outfit, ensuring it matches the occasion and the overall look.

Do: Wear anklets over bare skin. Anklets on tights, pantyhose, or other materials can cause slipping, friction, and damage.

Don’t: Neglect your ankle bracelet. It needs regular DIY gentle cleaning and scheduled professional cleaning to avoid tarnishing or extensive damage.

Don’t: Wear with boots or similar footwear. The shafts of boots can rub against your ankle bracelet, causing discomfort and potentially damaging your jewelry and footwear.

Don’t: Choose anklet materials that irritate your skin or cause an allergy flare up. Opt for high-quality and hypoallergenic materials according to your sensitivities.

What Ankle Bracelets Can Symbolize

People have worn ankle bracelets since ancient civilizations, and they remain prevalent in both cultural tradition and fashion. For instance, women in Ancient Egypt wore decorative ankle bracelets and, in India, anklets known as payal or pajeb hold cultural significance in traditional dances. Other styles, materials, and symbolism stem have a long and rich history in Middle Eastern, Thai, Indonesian, and other cultures. Ankle bracelets emerged in western fashion in the 20th century.

Ankle bracelets can carry various symbols or purposes. Some cultures view ankles as a focal point of beauty, and ankle bracelets can symbolize feminine beauty. Ankle bracelets can also represent marriage, family, or social status — in India, for instance, women sometimes wear ankle bracelets to symbolize their marriage. Some people also find protection and spirituality in their ankle bracelets, occasionally adorning them with charms or other details to ward off evil or attract good luck. In contemporary western society, ankle bracelets are most often worn for fashion and style.

Types of Ankle Bracelets

In addition to trending styles, many types of ankle bracelets can complement your style. Other common types include:

• Charm anklets
• String anklets
• Braided anklets
• Tennis anklets
• Sterling silver anklets
• Ankle cuffs

Ankle Bracelet Sizing

Correct ankle bracelet sizing is essential for comfort and fit, and minimizing strain or slipping can help maintain the quality of your jewelry. 

You can wear an anklet low on the ankle or higher up. To properly size one, measure just below where the calf and heel meet. Anklets come in different lengths so it’s important to determine the right size. For anklets above the bone, measure above the ankle bone and add ¼”. For those below the bone, measure below the ankle bone and add ¼” to ½”.

Consider the other factors that can affect sizing, including:

• Snug or loose-fit preference
• Ankle bracelets with adjustable lengths
• Type of ankle

Shop for Anklets at Jeweler’s Touch

At Jeweler’s Touch, we provide a wide range of high-quality jewelry from leading collections. Our jewelers and certified gemologist also provide jewelry repair, appraisal, financing, and custom design services. If you’re looking for the perfect ankle bracelet, necklace, set of earrings, or an engagement ring or wedding band, check our online catalog or contact us with your design ideas.

Ankle Bracelet FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions

Can men wear ankle bracelets too? What styles are appropriate for men?

Ankle bracelets are versatile style accessories for anyone, including men, and general styling tips apply to whoever might be wearing them. If you prefer a more masculine style, consider anklets with rugged details such as plain or braided leather. Sleek metal also complements conventionally masculine styles.

Should I wear an ankle bracelet on my left or right ankle?

Although the left or right ankles sometimes have symbolic meaning in some cultures, the side you wear your ankle bracelet on comes down to personal preference. Consider comfort, symmetry, and the overall aesthetic.